Intro
Do you have a dream resort at Disney World? Is there a Disney resort you have to stay at each time you visit?
One of my favorite things to do on my Disney trips is to resort hop! Even though I may not be able to stay at every resort, I love visiting all the resorts that I can. This week on the blog, I am going to share my top five favorite Disney resorts! These are all simply my personal favorites and based on my preferences. These are all dream resorts for me or ones I may only visit, since they are all deluxe resorts. Someday on the blog I will share my top 5 budget-friendly resorts (since those are typically where I am staying, too!).
Animal Kingdom Lodge
I’ve mentioned this on previous blogs, but Animal Kingdom Lodge is my absolute dream resort to stay at on property. Overall, this resort has everything that I am looking for in terms of theming, dining, and entertainment. To me, the theming and animals at this resort are the main draws and what makes it my number 1! There are two sides to this resort, Jambo House and Kidani Village. This means there are plenty of options for rooms and dining.
My Favorite Things
-Savanna Facing Rooms: Many of the rooms at this resort face out to the savanna, so you can wake up to animals right outside your window! This is a huge dream of mine and I know one day I will get to have coffee with the giraffes!
-Dining: Animal Kingdom Lodge has so many amazing dining options, both at Jambo House and Kidani Village. Sanaa, Jiko, and Boma are the three main restaurants that all have their unique feel and food options. Sanaa is one of my personal favorites because of the bread service and the view of the savanna!
-Animals & Activities: Even if you don’t have a savanna facing room, there are so many animal viewing locations at the resort that you can enjoy. There are even activities at the resort, such as the Sunlight Safari, that allow you to get closer to the animals on the savanna! To learn about more special extras offered at Disney Resorts, check out the Disney Enchanting Extras page.
I am so excited that I will be staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge this summer for a major Bucket List vacation! It is going to be a dream come true and I can’t wait to share it all with you!
Polynesian Village
If you want to really feel like you are on a relaxing tropical vacation, the Polynesian is the best resort for you! This resort is themed like a Polynesian island resort and it really is another dream resort for me. I’ve visited this resort a few times and it never gets old. It may never be in the budget to actually stay here, but I can dream and continue to visit often!
If you want to read about how to really live it up at the Polynesian, check out my Splurge Vacation blog post here!
My Favorite Things
-Relaxing Vibes: Like I said before, this really is the place to go if you want to feel like you are on a tropical beach vacation. The atmosphere and the vibes at this resort are so fun and relaxing, making for such an amazing stay!
-Beaches & Fireworks Viewing: Adding to the tropical vibes, there are actual beaches at this resort that you can enjoy! There are plenty of places around the resort where you can see Magic Kingdom, making it the perfect resort to watch Enchantment. They even pipe in the music in many locations, so you really get the full experience.
-Monorail Access: As a Magic Kingdom area resort, the Polynesian has easy access to the park using the Monorail. Transportation is a huge perk at any resort, so being able to get to Magic Kingdom quickly is a huge perk. The Monorail also gives you an easy way to get to the other Magic Kingdom area resorts (The Grand Floridian and the Contemporary). These resorts are also both deluxe resorts, meaning you can get to a ton of amazing restaurants really quickly!
-Restaurants & Lounges: This resort has one of the most fun and popular lounges on property, Trader Sam’s. Trader Sam’s is a little hidden and very small, making it a very special place to visit. They have unique drinks and ordering some of those specific beverages even unlock some enchanting island magic in this little grotto!
Additionally, ‘Ohana is another extremely popular spot at the Polynesian. While it is most known for the character breakfast, it also has a family style dinner that serves the popular ‘Ohana noodles!
Riviera
To stay on our relaxing resort theme, let’s head to the next resort on our list, the Riviera! The Riviera is one of the newest Disney resorts and it is such a spectacular place. The Riviera is themed after the French Riviera and it really does have the atmosphere of a European resort. Similarly to the Polynesian, this resort has such an immersive atmosphere that really makes you feel like you’re on a relaxing vacation.
My Favorite Things
-Vacation Atmosphere: Getting off the skyliner and walking into this resort under the mosaic arches is one of the coolest ways to get to a Disney resort. Overall, the vibes of this resort are extremely unique and relaxing. There are European touches all around, including beautiful architecture and artwork.
-Dining Options: Something about this resort feels so luxurious and upscale and the dining options definitely help add to that atmosphere. Topolino’s Terrace – Flavor’s of the Riviera is the main attraction at the Riviera in terms of dining and it does not disappoint! This restaurant, located at the top of the resort, has character dining for breakfast and classic French and Italian dishes for dinner. The views from the rooftop are unmatched as you can see both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Try to time your meal with a fireworks show for the best experience!
-Skyliner Access: I personally am a huge fan of the Skyliner, so staying at any Skyliner resort is a huge perk in my eyes! This new form of transportation is so quick and easy. It really is the best way to get around on property. Staying on the Skyliner route doesn’t just give you access to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, but also to the other Skyliner resorts! So you can easily get to Pop Century or Art of Animation to explore those locations.
Contemporary
When you think of Disney Resorts, the Contemporary is probably what you think of! The Contemporary is one of the two resorts that opened alongside the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971. The resort opened with modern and luxurious theming and easy access to Magic Kingdom! Even though this resort has just celebrated its 50th anniversary, it is still one of the most sought after resorts on property.
My Favorite Things
-OG Resort: The history of this resort is definitely a huge draw for me and many Disney die-hards! Visiting this resort, you can see and feel that history all around you. If you are looking for some of that history, there is a huge mural from Mary Blair in the lobby (look for the 5 legged goat)! You can also check out Steakhouse 71, a new restaurant that reflects the style of the year the resort opened. They have done a great job keeping this resort up to date, while still honoring its rich history.
-Theme Park Views: Since this resort is right next to the park, there are tons of places to take advantage of those amazing Magic Kingdom views! You can book a Theme Park View room, visit one of the public balcony areas, or book a table at the California Grill. This restaurant is located at the top of the main building and is the best place to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the resort!
-The Monorail: One of the most iconic aspects of the Contemporary, is the monorail that goes right through the main building! The view from the monorail, while riding through the Contemporary towards Magic Kingdom, is such a classic Disney memory for so many people. I remember being so fascinated with this when I was younger. I still believe it is one of the coolest things that a Disney resort has to offer!
BoardWalk Inn
Last but definitely not least on my list, is the BoardWalk Inn! This resort has some of the greatest options in terms of nightlife and also the most interesting decor and theming of any resort (just wait until you see the Nanny Chairs). The BoardWalk Inn is themed after a Coney Island-style boardwalk and it really does live up to its namesake! When you visit this resort, you often forget you are just steps away from a Disney park, because it is so immersive.
My Favorite Things
-Dining & Entertainment: The BoardWalk definitely has the most options of any resort in terms of entertainment and nightlife! Being at the BoardWalk at night is a completely unique experience and always a blast. There are a ton of bars and restaurants to choose from; such as the Flying Fish, Trattoria al Forno, and AbracadaBar. If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, try JellyRolls or Atlantic Dance. JellyRolls is a piano bar, while Atlantic Dance is a dance club and both are 21 and up.
-Pools: Okay, somehow I have surprisingly not mentioned many pools at any of the other resorts. Maybe that is because I was saving the best for last! The main pool at the BoardWalk is themed like a carnival. You will truly feel like you are at an old-timey amusement park. They recently redid the main slide, but if you are interested in scaring yourself for life, Google the clown that used to be the main focal point of this pool!
-Access to Everything: Alright, maybe the BoardWalk doesn’t have access to *everything*, but it does have easy access to so many amazing places. First and foremost, you can walk to EPCOT and easily get in at the International Gateway entrance. Right next to that entrance to EPCOT, is the Skyliner. Having access to the Skyliner is truly a game changer when it comes to getting around Disney!
Outside of the parks, it’s just a short walk over to the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. It’s also an easy walk to the nearby Swan and Dolphin Resorts! You will also be located extremely close to the Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf Course. With so much to do within walking distance, you’ll need to stay a few extra nights to fit it all in!
And there you have it! Those are my top five Disney resorts and all the reasons I love them so much. I hope I can stay at all of these resorts one day, but until then I will continue to dream!
What Disney resorts would make your top five list? Let me know in the comments!
